5 Talking Points from the Premier League weekend

With Gameweek 9 being hyped around Manchester United vs Chelsea, the other matches in the Premier League as always did not disappoint with their buzz and doze of adrenaline rush. As always there were shock results, heartbreaks, goals galore, stunners and comebacks.From Esteban Cambiasso’s two yard goal miss to an astounding Sunderland defence, we take a look at the 5 major talking points of the Premier League weekend. 

#1 Is Eliaquim Mangala worth 32m?

 Is Mangala Worth It ?

When Eliaquim Mangala joined Manchester City for 32 million pounds, it seemed as if the 'other team' from Manchester, has finally got their hands on a player who could eventually partner Vincent Kompany in defence. Martin Dimecheles was considered 'too old’ while Matija Nastasic slowly withered away from first team action under Manuel Pelligrini, as both players were not foolproof in defence and seldom displayed signs of genuine chemistry with the skipper. 

Months into the season, partnering Vincent Kompany while positioned as the Left Center Back, life in the Premier League is proving to be difficult for the 23-year-old French International, who highly impressed critics with his performances at Porto. 

Although Mangala had been solid against league leaders Chelsea, his performances recently have painted a big question mark on his price tag. The 23-year-old has been at the spotlight with defensive howlers only rivaled by a crumbling Sunderland defence. 

The most expensive defender in Premier League history might not be worth the hassle, as Mangala can easily be held responsible for leaking as many as four goals in a short spell of six games. The Frenchman was at fault in West Ham's Booleyn Ground as he was shrugged off far too easily by a 'lightweight' Enner Valencia, leading to The Hammer's opening goal and it wasn’t the first such instance.

A nightmare performance against Hull City, where he was saved the blushes as the strike force outscored the Tigers, a midweek slip against CSKA Moscow, along with another futile performance against West Ham, has posted a big question mark on the former Porto player's credentials. 

Although Manuel Pelligrini has supported Mangala and termed him as a 'good' player, the Argentine's patience could run out, and a surprise start for either Nastasic or Demicheles, might be the way out. 

Even Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra also found it difficult to adjust to the rythm and tempo of the Premier League, only time will tell if Mangala could become as prolific and as solid as the former two.